She possessed a steadiness of judgement which, though still forming, had already proved itself in moments of consequence.
And as for Pemberley… he could not but think that her lively understanding, joined with a natural discernment of character, would in time render her equal to every expectation its mistress must fulfil.
She was young – but she learned quickly, and with eagerness. Her wit, too, was of a kind not easily overlooked; he almostsmiled to imagine how it might be received among those who had long believed themselves unassailable in their refinement.
***
When Mr. Bennet returned, Mrs. Bennet immediately informed him – with considerable emphasis – that Mr. Darcy had most obligingly remained in order to speak with him.
Darcy rose at once.
“Mr. Bennet, if you would allow me a few minutes of private conversation.”
Mr. Bennet, though surprised, readily agreed, and led him into the library.
Darcy began calmly. He explained that he wished to mention a matter concerning Mr. Wickham – not to alarm him, but because it was better that certain circumstances should be understood.
He first spoke briefly of the events of the ball.
Mr. Wickham, he said, had approached him privately in the library and attempted to renew an old claim upon him, suggesting that, unless he received a certain sum of money, he might be inclined to circulate unpleasant stories concerning Darcy’s sister.
“At this point, Miss Elizabeth had happened to pass the library door. Hearing Wickham’s raised voice, she had entered the room. Darcy explained that she quickly understood enough of the conversation to perceive Wickham’s intentions.”
“Miss Elizabeth behaved with remarkable composure,” he said. “She made it very clear to Mr. Wickham that any attempt to injure the reputation of my family would not go unanswered.”
Mr. Bennet listened with growing attention.
Darcy continued, choosing his words carefully. “She told him, quite plainly, that if he so much as repeated a word of slander, she would see him made unwelcome in the neighbourhood.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyebrows rose. “I do not know if I should be proud of my daughter or chastise her for interfering with something personal between two gentlemen.”
Darcy allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile. “Mr. Wickham was… not pleased.”
He went on to describe the meeting in Meryton the following morning – Wickham’s altered manner, the brief loss of his usual civility, and the warning he had addressed to Elizabeth in a lowered voice.
Darcy did not dramatise the moment, but he did not conceal his concern. “I believe Miss Elizabeth’s firmness at the ball may have wounded his pride,” he said. “What occurred in the street suggests that he has not entirely forgotten it.” Darcy looked at the bookshelf. “Wickham is not a man who accepts humiliation easily. And Miss Elizabeth Bennet had humiliated him twice in as many days.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair and regarded Darcy thoughtfully. “Well,” he said after a moment, “my daughter has never been afraid of speaking plainly when she believes herself in the right. I cannot say I regret that quality – though I begin to see that it may occasionally place her in uncomfortable situations.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I thought it best that you should be aware of the circumstances.”
Mr. Bennet was silent for a moment longer. “At the very least,” he said at last, “I shall take care that Mr. Wickham does not presume too much upon our hospitality again.”
Darcy rose. “I am glad if I have been of service.”
“Mr. Darcy, do you think she is in danger?”
Darcy sighed. “I hope not. But I have been on the end of his unforgiving nature in the most despicable way.”
“I see. Thank you, again. For telling me this.”
Darcy bowed and turned to leave, but after a step or two, he paused. He turned back. He looked down, but then straightened and looked at the older man. “Mr. Bennet.”
Mr. Bennet looked up again.
“There is one more matter on which I should wish to speak, if you will permit me.”
“By all means.”
